In recent days, the name "ACORN" has become a sinister watchword in many conservative circles, serving as a stand-in for voter fraud and underhanded election tactics. One leading politician even said ACORN "may be destroying the fabric of democracy."
Well, let me tell you about the ACORN I know, the ACORN I’ve seen in action during my more than three years working with people struggling to recover in New Orleans.
ACORN is the group that brought together thousands of African American residents to have an amplified, powerful voice in the revival of their own city.
ACORN is the group that fought to make sure Louisianans displaced from their home state would still have the chance to vote in their elections and help guide post-Katrina recovery.
ACORN is the group that holds politicians at all levels accountable to a poor, largely African American constituency that was systematically ignored and even targeted for housing demolition.
ACORN is the group that has been one of the most effective organizations in holding banks accountable for the predatory loans that are now bringing our entire economy down.
ACORN is not a caricature.
ACORN is not a curse word.
ACORN, at heart, is a group of neighbors fighting to spread the American Dream to all people. That role seems pretty vital to the fabric of democracy.
PolicyLink Senior Director Kalima Rose asked me to post this for her. She is a long-time community advocate and policy expert who has been working with legislators and on-the-ground leaders in Louisiana since just after Hurricane Katrina. This post was also featured on EquityBlog.org.